Darton retracts wrestler death statement

Benjamin Richards was running with his wrestling teammates when he collapsed on Wednesday. / Darton State College Athletics

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 17:18:49 GMT —

First Update:Darton has released the following statement:

Although we sent an earlier statement per the Richards family, that Ben Richards has passed away, he is at this time on life support with an irreversible condition until all of the family arrives.

Initial Story:FOX 31 was just contacted by Tracey Goode, Dean of Institutional Advancement and Public Relations, who said they are retracting the previous statement they sent this afternoon about the death of Ben Richards.

In that statment, it read: Darton State College is deeply saddened by the loss of sophomore student, Ben Richards who passed away today at Shands Hospital in Gainesville, FL. Ben was a native of Tampa, Florida and a member of the wrestling team.

The Darton community sends our thoughts and prayers to Ben's family and friends. Our hearts go out to them at this difficult time.

Goode tells FOX 31 News Richards is still being visited by family in the hospital.

We are awaiting an updated release from the school regarding this confusion.

Richards along with two other Darton wrestlers was hospitalized last week after suffering from heat-related illnesses.Stay connected to MySouthWestGA.com as stories develop and the FOX 31 Newscast at 10 PM.